18ft Skiff sailor dies racing in Brisbane

The Brisbane 18 Footers Sailing Club has issued the following statement following the death of David Hansa (23) while sailing on Waterloo Bay on Saturday. He was trapped under water, before being retrieved, taken ashore, however efforts to resuscitate him failed.

It is with great sadness that we have to report the passing of one of our sailors during yesterday’s racing.

David 'Casper' Hansa was crewing onboard Team Pendeo yesterday. Despite the best efforts of the Team Pendeo crew, our rescue boats and the Coast Guard, David was unable to be revived.

For all the people who knew him as 'Casper' he was the most enthusiastic blokes that wanted to sail on an 18. When he couldn’t get a crew position, he was often down at the Club having travelled from the Sunshine Coast to assist on the start boat or rescue boat, and was wrapped about the whole 18 thing.

Club officials and crews have been assisting authorities with investigations, and our Commodore Bruce met David’s family this morning to pass on condolences on behalf of all Club members.

Counselling is being arranged for the crews involved in the rescue attempt yesterday through the Yachting Queensland consultation psychologist.

If anyone else requires assistance seeking counselling, please contact the Club at info@brisbane18footers.com.

We will pass on details of the funeral once we have been advised.

Our thoughts and prayers are with David’s family in this tragic time.

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